[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6503085,"mediaKeyId","5609065-9e0c930583d7184ea94b2d4b6213be4f","parentId",5609065,"title","Sawyer County board discusses circuit court appeal after remand of prior land‑use case; members raise notice and record‑keeping concerns","audioSeconds",724,"startMs",5116000,"endMs",5840000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5609065-9e0c930583d7184ea94b2d4b6213be4f&start=5116&end=5840","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5609065-9e0c930583d7184ea94b2d4b6213be4f/thumbnail_5116000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6503085/Sawyer-County/Wisconsin/Sawyer-County-board-discusses-circuit-court-appeal-after-remand-of-prior-landuse-case-members-raise-notice-and-recordkeeping-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6503085-6292d208493bc5c36a416a5cdff478fe/orig.mp4?Expires=1775569758&Signature=L1PVchjO~xFpuRzsDxizJZ5w1flX8CpAhWFb3rIEzoiS0MkNB8sWHVzE7xtSyERGpZJcfbWGF-iyXSiaNjIULOp9VEeSYR7cBR~izwzrB1l1c82JP3lbgG9vuQJ4ngfYIHVYPY0x0o3zZxdSb4t36bz1unkqrHFmrWIvw9idnGoutAQBBnLAQ91K~yxKVQIixSEzTgz11hMzhJCJG-9e5goqvWTXFBuZoe402Ew45l6gTY1~MkeoRsLZLhlzYOyjcIFIh8wBjxHhUthR0Ig64efJsHSjZ1eCsiU4Hnr3ZHqcU49TnGPopDCCm66uwfynCOej42ZF81etYw3UD4F6oA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Sawyer County, WI ","date","2025-08-20T15:47:35.853Z","article","Members of the Sawyer County Board of Appeals used the meeting’s other‑business portion to update colleagues on an administrative appeal that advanced to circuit court after the board remanded a prior matter to the town zoning committee for clarification.

Board members said the town’s zoning committee received a remand request after the appeals hearing, but the neighbor who sought the remand filed a circuit court appeal within the county’s 30‑day appeal period. The group reported confusion over service and notice: a request for a temporary restraining order (to stop construction) was denied in part because the property owner or builder had not been properly served and therefore did not receive notice. The board said the case is now scheduled for a circuit court scheduling conference in October.

Why it matters: board members expressed frustration that a remand intended to resolve ambiguities did not lead to additional zoning committee hearings before construction continued, and they emphasized that unclear audio/recording quality at earlier meetings complicated establishing an accurate administrative record.

Board direction: members asked county counsel and zoning staff to notify the board about circuit‑court scheduling and outcomes. Staff said that if circuit court remands the matter back to the county, the board would hold a de‑novo hearing and call zoning committee members to testify as needed.

Ending: the board said it will monitor the circuit court docket. Members reiterated the need for clear meeting recordings and consistent procedures to avoid contested record issues in future appeals.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Zoning Board of Appeals 2025 08 19","oneSentenceSummary","Board members reported that a remanded administrative appeal was taken to circuit court, raised concerns about who received notice of the appeal and a rescinded injunction, and asked staff to keep the board informed of court scheduling.","taxTitle","Sawyer County, Wisconsin","taxId",73055,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6503090,"Board narrowly approves 10x14 second‑story deck on Bass Lake property after lengthy debate over hardship and “unused” road",1964,3060000,5024000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5609065-9e0c930583d7184ea94b2d4b6213be4f&start=3060&end=5024","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5609065-9e0c930583d7184ea94b2d4b6213be4f/thumbnail_3060000.jpg","/articles/6503090/Sawyer-County/Wisconsin/Board-narrowly-approves-10x14-secondstory-deck-on-Bass-Lake-property-after-lengthy-debate-over-hardship-and-unused-road","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6503090-f6f2528fcee5c8bac85cd28f49179999/orig.mp4?Expires=1775569758&Signature=CqEP9Zz2oM0fh8DS3P6IC0waE9JpBHAlv9mwcgEYBQL3jNH2fy3Q2EY1THBV9jBWviYzPnwJI86bJjem3IGiIBACcJOef8S-TW64SPpTSlkko6whsCKQA8-x0eBtF8d6JUzgPivPjaDx5GPWmN~ftYDKz9fOFjuOnsxVpQizKF4KwBxDtRdHM0j9CcSvl2zVTgJ0QpOsSEUix36zBzWapamRXXmVOAeI0tCrvk5pwbCCkPW~L4XCbSz1OfydkMYXEbOwPvQ4OMhNn56lcnX5SIqhDHanvt2kp8rKGkFFXe--HM~5wf0yJPFAkUo8kp5f79bL4fgLQFnEHWFgXd0q4A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sawyer County Board of Appeals approved a variance allowing a 10‑by‑14‑foot elevated second‑story deck on property owned by Michael and Janelle Savitsky in the town of Bass Lake. The board’s final vote to approve was 4‑1 after an earlier motion to deny the request failed.

What the variance requested: the Bass Lake property lies adjacent to a platted but largely undeveloped and unmaintained section of Poplar Road. The applicant sought relief from town road setback requirements specific to the Northwoods Beach subdivision (a 44‑foot centerline setback for that road) and requested a 21‑foot centerline setback (6 feet from the right‑of‑way) for the proposed second‑story deck.

Why it was contested: several board members questioned whether the desire for a larger deck was a mere amenity rather than a hardship. Staff explained the property was small in depth and the original house was built under a prior variance; the existing home placement left little compliant space for a usable deck that also functions as a second‑story egress. Neighbors and board members noted that Poplar Road is a platted town road but is not maintained and effectively ends near the property; one board member described the road area as wetland and said the town’s plow likely stops at the Savitskys’ driveway.

Board debate and votes: one board member moved to deny the variance on the grounds that the applicant could obtain required second‑floor egress without a variance by constructing a smaller, permitted landing; that motion was seconded and received two votes in favor and three against, failing. A subsequent motion to approve the 10‑by‑14 deck—supported in discussion as reasonable given the lot configuration and the nonfunctional road—passed 4–1. Members emphasized that the decision hinged on the physical limitations of the lot (depth and setbacks) and the practical reality that the platted road is not a maintained, public travel corridor.

Conditions and next steps: the board did not attach additional mitigation conditions beyond standard permit requirements. Staff noted the possibility that if the town were ever to fully maintain or reopen the road, future conflicts could arise; the board emphasized decisions are made based on the current property configuration and existing ordinances. The board’s decision will be memorialized in findings of fact and is subject to the standard appeal process.

Ending: the board discussed related upcoming cases and administrative procedures before adjourning.","After a split initial vote to deny, the Sawyer County Board of Appeals approved a variance to allow a 10‑by‑14‑foot second‑story deck on Michael Savitsky’s Bass Lake lot, concluding that lot configuration and an effectively unused platted road created a hardship for the applicant.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6503095,"Board approves rear‑setback variance for Berg family to allow small detached garage in Draper",729,2076000,2805000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5609065-9e0c930583d7184ea94b2d4b6213be4f&start=2076&end=2805","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5609065-9e0c930583d7184ea94b2d4b6213be4f/thumbnail_2076000.jpg","/articles/6503095/Sawyer-County/Wisconsin/Board-approves-rearsetback-variance-for-Berg-family-to-allow-small-detached-garage-in-Draper","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6503095-99436c4c2424504483aa2df555cf05f7/orig.mp4?Expires=1775569758&Signature=TzqQnPUOw6B5V5pBpGsL4vXxecDqIQslM2Edq98TDXVG10CqY0zlxWmKAcykSUNunpE-pNnFo75xOGJHnnvsartI7jY5AXNgkO4g1AWAr~72G9RimUibedfyaZcKJnYVv5ykqBfSH4vX2gzVpJWZ44UKMYEUcScUFH-v6AvhQx~Wpq~DSmAg7Lprb-ZllvnRRhwm~Yz4eEPc2fXkxqAMwSzshCSZjpDM~ADaVJfFYC0Wsu5CiVhTlRgKHutXK9eZLud0uOw-UJZRsKzHlfV5VQR0XhuxUB3JDp~MXUd26rRM8DjATlnE1e0Yk5E~ppqSfBg~RWCUFj2U12~~S1wApg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sawyer County Board of Appeals voted 5‑0 to approve a variance allowing a detached garage on property owned by Candace and Jennifer Berg in the town of Draper. The approval permits a rear setback of 5 feet from the rear property line where the county requires 40 feet.

Why it matters: the house on the lot was built prior to current setback rules, and staff told the board the 40‑foot rear setback line effectively bisects the existing principal structure. The applicants said the requested garage is the only practical buildable location that would not unduly burden the property because other locations would conflict with an existing well, a septic field or create access problems for the adjacent lot.

Details and board rationale: staff reported an onsite inspection and that the proposed garage (described in application materials as 19 by 23 feet, noted by staff to be 20 by 24 feet with eaves) would be about 200 feet from the ordinary high‑water mark and would result in approximately 8.5% impervious coverage. The town of Draper reviewed the request and recommended approval, citing proper drainage and visual improvement to the property; 12 adjacent property owners were notified and no additional comments were received.

Candace Berg participated by Zoom and described the property history and constraints; Thomas Berg, the life‑estate holder, spoke in support, saying the family needs storage and easier year‑round access to tools and equipment. Board members reviewed the three statutory variance criteria and concluded that the lot configuration and existing structure location constituted a unique physical limitation and that approving a modest garage would not harm the public interest.

The board approved the variance with no additional conditions and instructed staff to record findings of fact explaining how the three statutory requirements were met. Zoning staff offered to assist the applicants with the permit process.

Ending: the board recorded a unanimous vote (5–0). The decision is subject to the county’s standard appeal procedures.","The Sawyer County Board of Appeals unanimously approved a variance to allow a modest detached garage with a 5‑foot rear property line setback where 40 feet is normally required; the board found physical lot constraints justified the relief.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6503100,"Sawyer County board approves garage variance for Wick property with lot‑combination and shoreline mitigation conditions",1578,202000,1780000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5609065-9e0c930583d7184ea94b2d4b6213be4f&start=202&end=1780","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5609065-9e0c930583d7184ea94b2d4b6213be4f/thumbnail_202000.jpg","/articles/6503100/Sawyer-County/Wisconsin/Sawyer-County-board-approves-garage-variance-for-Wick-property-with-lotcombination-and-shoreline-mitigation-conditions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6503100-bdf68b9cce6dca8b00d61f24d46e4a23/orig.mp4?Expires=1775569758&Signature=RME7KZ3k0Ck-ykZ45n3csjvRIUCTS5zYy5SanEr8dVkaKEA7zcptTndBfLXOb2JgLwVjAP2q7zUNcpWYzY1Ly6JGRYU2bZz23g19qQramzS7xtQyyGOsZ1LwEiYdoxu~k-ZJ46onpwlc3djuHLLSc6ZcYhFlnZW1mnQxdd4DTm9wlb2ekBF2f0MU3kiPxsnZb87bqyiKCJvpK0y-0VDgNUo0JEuaIG4zaZQN7S1iTRqh2VEi~ZCFE6iuHvzygUOgS4flMOfoV0xzW~Iw2teH~O0vltQW64lhjxzle8fUvm7sX~n5I4zcnPnarr-xsOzAGoilvPmtc67GiEsfO74LYQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sawyer County Board of Appeals on a 5‑0 vote approved a variance to allow a detached 20‑by‑32‑foot garage at 16 feet tall on property owned by Paul and Carol Wick on Tanning Point Road, with two conditions: the two parcels must be combined by certified survey map (CSM) and the applicant must implement drainage mitigation approved by the zoning administrator.

The variance sought relief from two provisions of the Sawyer County Code of Ordinances (Appendix D): the minimum 30‑foot setback from the centerline of a private road and the 75‑foot setback from the ordinary high‑water mark. The Wicks requested a 20‑foot setback from the road centerline and a 60‑foot shoreline setback for a garage sited between two existing parcels the applicants own.

Why it matters: the requested location would place the garage inside the county's standard shoreline and road setbacks. The board resolved that combining the two lots would prevent separate future development on the vacant parcel, and that approved drainage controls would reduce runoff risk to Nelson Lake.

Details and board discussion: county staff described an onsite inspection and said there was no other buildable area that met combined setbacks. Jay Cathy, zoning staff, told the board the proposed detached garage would be placed on a separate, currently vacant parcel the Wicks own immediately west of Tanning Point Road and that several neighboring properties on that road have previously received reduced road setbacks. Town approval came back by motion (4–1) and 17 adjacent property owners were notified; the Department of Natural Resources submitted a letter that was entered into the record.

Paul Wick said the new garage is intended as a single‑stall building for storage and to keep a boat out of the elements; he said the attached single‑car structure currently on the lot is not suitable as a garage because it lacks an internal entrance to the house.

Board members debated the statutory three‑part variance test (unnecessary hardship, unique physical limitation, and public interest). Several members said the lot dimensions and shallow depths along Tanning Point Road create physical limitations and that, compared with existing development on that road, the garage would not be more intrusive. The board attached two conditions to its approval: the two lots must be combined by CSM to prevent future separate development, and a drainage mitigation measure (for example, an approved rain garden) must be installed between the garage and the lakeshore to the satisfaction of zoning administration.

The motion to approve, as summarized in the record, was made with those conditions, seconded, and passed 5–0. The board directed staff to prepare findings of fact documenting why the three statutory criteria were met for the record.

Ending: zoning staff told the Wicks to stop by the zoning office for next steps on the CSM and permitting process. The decision is subject to the county’s standard 30‑day appeal period to circuit court.","The Sawyer County Board of Appeals approved a variance allowing a detached garage closer to a private road and Nelson Lake shoreline than county rules permit, conditioned on combining two parcels by certified survey map and installing approved drainage mitigation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Sawyer County board discusses circuit court appeal after remand of prior land‑use case; members raise notice and record‑keeping concerns

Board narrowly approves 10x14 second‑story deck on Bass Lake property after lengthy debate over hardship and “unused” road

Board approves rear‑setback variance for Berg family to allow small detached garage in Draper

Sawyer County board approves garage variance for Wick property with lot‑combination and shoreline mitigation conditions